To mark the achievement, representatives from KNH were presented with the quality award by Michelle Reid, the TPAS Chief Executive at a presentation ceremony on Friday (12 February. The ceremony was also attended by Cllr Shabir Pandor, Kirlees Council’s cabinet member for housing, and Cora Carter MBE, chair of KNH and the Kirklees Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations (KFTRA).

The quality mark shows that KNH has again proved its commitment to resident engagement and met the high standards set by TPAS, the leading national tenant participation organisation, which promotes tenant empowerment.

KNH was one of the first housing organisations to be awarded the TPAS quality mark in 2005. To be awarded it for a second time, KNH had to show how the company involves customers in making decisions and developing and improving services. It also had to show how much it had achieved since the last assessment.

TPAS’ decision was based on a comprehensive report submitted by KNH, as well as interviews with a number of KNH staff and tenants to find out how the company involves its customers in its daily work.

Simon Rogers, KNH Chief Executive, said, “KNH’s achievements in building successful communities are based on the quality of our relationships, especially with our tenants and residents, so I’m very proud that TPAS has again recognised the work we do to develop those relationships.

“But this award would not have been possible were it not for the excellent foundations in tenant participation that were started 20 years ago by Kirklees Council and KFTRA.

Cora Carter, KNH and KFTRA chair, said: “I’m very pleased that KNH has achieved the quality mark again, but we will not be complacent and must keep striving to improve how we involve customers. This way, we will realise our mission of ‘quality homes and services in successful communities.’”

TPAS Chief Executive, Michelle Reid said: “The standards set by the TPAS Quality Mark are deliberately challenging, and organizations have every right to be proud when they receive the award.

“To gain re-accreditation, organizations must not only show that they are maintaining those high standards, but that they have built upon them and continue to challenge themselves further.

“KNH have done just that, and we’re delighted to recognize the achievements of the staff and tenants by making them the first housing provider to gain TPAS re-accreditation.

Cllr Shabir Pandor, Kirklees Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “I am truly delighted that TPAS has once again recognised the genuine commitment of tenants, the council, KNH and all our other partners. This is testimony that we are continuously improving year on year.

“My vision is to develop the strength of this partnership even further and to engage more effectively with other partners like the Police, Health Services, Job Centre, schools and colleges. This would really have a positive impact on the everyday life of people living in Kirklees.”